Fall 2019 • aztechcouncil.org
IN THIS ISSUE 2 LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
Arizona Technology Report
Arizona Technology Council: The Voice of the Technology Industry
President’s Message
It’s no secret that the Arizona Technology Council can’t exist without 4 FUTURE MAKER the support of its members. That’s why our team at the Council does everything 5 FAMILIAR TERRITORY it can to provide the types of services that help our members move the 6 GOVERNOR'S CELEBRATION ball forward. From events that help members stay 7 ON BOARD abreast of new trends to providing an outlet where they can spread the STEVEN G. ZYLSTRA, word about job openings to ongoing PRESIDENT AND CEO, ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL involvement in shaping public policy, we work tirelessly to serve the interests THE ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL IS of our members so they can focus on ARIZONA’S PREMIER TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY competing in their respective sectors. COMPANIES. As Arizona’s technology community continues to grow, we likewise see an increasing number PHOENIX OFFICE of startups and early-stage companies added to our membership roster. With as few as a 2800 N. CENTRAL AVE., SUITE 1530 handful of employees, they go all out to produce new products and services that not long ago PHOENIX, AZ 85004 were the stuff of dreams. PHONE: 602-343-8324 • FAX: 602-343But nearly all these small companies face the reality check that comes with going against 8330 INFO@AZTECHCOUNCIL.ORG larger, established firms to secure the talent needed to get the job done. What I’m referring to are the medical and other benefits that are an expected part of a compensation package for any TUCSON OFFICE 1215 E. PENNSYLVANIA ST. professional. If a company can’t deliver, the best prospects can’t commit. TUCSON, AZ 85714 That has been a big problem. Until now. PHONE: 520-388-5760 Just as we serve our members to meet their other needs so they can reach the next level, TUCSON@AZTECHCOUNCIL.ORG finding a solution was the right thing to do. That is why I’m proud to share the news that the Arizona Technology Council Association Health Plan is a new benefit that our members can expect. MANAGEMENT AND STAFF Association health plans (AHPs) actually have been around for some time. In fact, Steven G. Zylstra President + CEO I was part of one when I headed the Pittsburgh Technology Council before returning Leigh Goldstein COO + Vice President, Programs + Events Jill Brownley Director, Marketing + Communication to Arizona for my current role. But as laws changed, rules changed until it became Deborah Zack Senior Director, Membership Services less beneficial to operate AHPs in this country. In some cases, they were not allowed. Meredith Orr Director, Membership Services President Trump then expressed his support for the plans. Closer to home, the Laura DeGeorge Executive Assistant to President + CEO Angelica Espinoza Bookkeeper Arizona Legislature last year gave them the green light to operate here. Long story Jeff Sales Executive Director, Southern Arizona Regional Office short, I reconnected with Mike Monroe of the Washington Technology Industry Jamie Neilson Operations Manager, Southern Arizona Regional Office Don Rodriguez Editor Association, who has had phenomenal success with his group’s AHP. He has agreed Executive Emeritus, Phoenix Ron Schott to help the Council get our plan up and running for a Jan. 1 launch. When you turn Don Ruedy Executive Emeritus, Tucson this page, you can hear more about what it took to help us reach this point, as well as SCITECH INSTITUTE details about the plan. Steven G. Zylstra, President + CEO To say I’m excited about this new offering for our members would be an Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D., Executive Director Kelly Greene, COO + Director of Student Success understatement. We at the Council are proud that startups and other small Jake Lounsbury, Director of Global Partnerships technology companies are calling Arizona home. Our AHP could make the difference Jolene LeFlore, Development Director in helping them keep their lights on. Jasper Pena, Digital Systems Manager
WHO WE ARE
Lisa Gallagher Schromm, Arizona STEM Ecosystem Lead Nikki Micale, Arizona CSO Regional Lead Kaci Fankhauser, STEM Ecosystem Coordinator Enrique Garcia, Street Team Coordinator Dominique Browning, Alumni Association Coordinator Angelica Espinoza, Bookkeeper Don Ruedy, Executive Emeritus, Tucson
aztechcouncil.org
ARIZONA TECHNOLOGY REPORT
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